Chris Carter

Experience

• 

  US Army

  Aug 2000 - Sept 2005

  Responsible for collecting, analyzing, producing and disseminating intelligence in support of a 3,000 soldier brigade. Developed security, anti-terrorism, and force protection programs while training soldiers in preparation for deployment. Provided combat intelligence, counterintelligence, and intelligence and security training for a 500 soldier armor battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Trained and mentored four soldiers, training each in intelligence and security matters. Responsible for over 2 million dollars of classified government equipment. Solely responsible for vehicular maintenance, logistics, and deployment for a 170 man company to Kuwait/Iraq from Fort Stewart, GA in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Directly responsible for over 5 million dollars of classified government equipment. Developed security, anti-terrorism, and force protection programs for a four battalion, 2,400 soldier brigade while training units in preparation for deployment to Bosnia and Kosovo. Revised the Brigade’s physical, personnel, and information security programs; over fifteen in all.

  • Assistant Patriot Brigade Intelligence Officer - 31ST Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Patriot

    May 2004 - Sept 2005

  • Battalion Intelligence Officer - 1-64 Armor Battalion, 3rd Infantry

    May 2003 - May 2004

  • Company Executive Officer and Platoon Leader - B Company, 103RD Military Intelligence Battalion

    Aug 2002 - May 2003

  • Assistant Artillery Brigade Intelligence Officer - 3rd Infantry Division (Mech.) Artillery

    Aug 2000 - Aug 2002
• 

  GE Aviation

  Sept 2005 - Feb 2011

  Responsible for taking high pressure turbine nozzle and blade designs from concept to production, managing cost, weight and mechanical suitability. Integrated aerodynamic, heat transfer, component cooling and manufacturing disciplines to achieve efficient, cost effective and producible hardware. Design engineer in charge of legacy structural components in the core of commercial aircraft, responsible for managing cost, weight and production. Also developed new products for military systems through cross functional teamwork and technical expertise. Project manager in commercial engine nacelles responsible for the design and manufacture of engine architecture and interfaces with aircraft.

  • Flowpath Design Engineer

    Apr 2009 - Feb 2011

  • Structural Design Engineer

    Jun 2007 - Apr 2009

  • Nacelle Project Engineer

    Sept 2005 - Jun 2007
• 

  L3 Communications

  Feb 2011 - May 2012

  Engineering Manager

  Leader, coach and mentor of an exceptional team of 17 engineers who provide mechanical fuze solutions to government and prime contractors. Change agent responsible for the growth and development of subordinates and committed to advancing business improvement through Kaizen and lean initiatives.

• 

  Cincinnati Thermal Spray

  May 2012 - Jan 2014

  Product Engineering Manager

  As a part of this role, I led a team of six engineers and mentored co-op students at Cincinnati Thermal Spray, delivering specialized coatings across industries. I pioneered lean initiatives, boosting efficiency in a job shop environment.• Implemented lean practices like 5S, Genba Walks, and problem-solving strategies, optimizing operational workflow.• Enhanced project tracking mechanisms, improving transparency and adherence to stringent aerospace quality requirements.• Acted as primary contact for inside sales, engaging with established clients to negotiate price, lead times, development schedules, and delivery terms.• Coordinated and monitored the progress of substantiation and development projects for aircraft engines, land-based gas turbines, and commercial coatings to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, drawings, and quality standards. Show less

• 

  GE Aerospace

  Jan 2014 - now

  In my current position as Manufacturing Quality Leader at Evendale Manufacturing, I oversee Compliance and Quality management. Leading a team of nine quality professionals, our focus encompasses assurance, control, inspection technologies, and AS/ISO compliance. Additionally, I drive site-level problem-solving initiatives and continuous improvement efforts, fostering collaboration to implement best practices and develop tools.• Achieved 100% audit compliance with industry and company policies, marking a first in four years.• Initiated and led digital transformation of quality documentation, enhancing data accessibility and analytical capabilities.• Conducted extensive AS9100 standard training, significantly raising compliance awareness and adherence among staff. Show less In this role, I led quality operations within GE Aviation's value stream for rotating parts and compressor airfoils, with a focus on minimizing escapes and enhancing process capability. I collaborated with manufacturing sites and global engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and spearheaded digital innovation by integrating new tools to optimize existing processes.• Reduced customer escapes by 50% by leading a cross-functional team in targeted problem-solving efforts.• Pioneered a digital tool integration project that streamlined value stream operations.• Directed supplier quality initiatives, resulting in a measurable decrease in vendor non-conformances.• Championed Zero Defect Culture initiative, emphasizing quality at source, producibility, and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies. Show less As an Engineering Manager, I led global engineering projects, innovating and reducing costs during business restructuring. I directed cost-reduction initiatives for engine structures, coordinating globally to meet increased production demands. My efforts were instrumental in achieving significant hardware cost savings.• Drove cost-reduction projects for engine structures, culminating in $18M in savings and setting the stage for efficient production scaling.• Applied Six Sigma methodologies to identify and implement process improvements, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement.• Cultivated strong partnerships with Supply Chain, Quality, and Sourcing to ensure alignment of engineering innovations with business objectives.• Spearheaded global team in the "Engineer-in-the-Shop" initiative, solidifying the role of shop-based engineers within manufacturing and engineering teams. Show less At GE Aviation, I oversaw aviation engine platform hardware design and engineering, focusing on manufacturing support, cost reduction, and process enhancement. Additionally, I spearheaded New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts for power generation hardware within emerging aero-derivative engine projects.• Identified and executed cost reduction projects, achieving an estimated $1.76M in savings on legacy hardware.• Improved process capability for critical engine components, resulting in substantial 78% reduction in defects.• Reduced production escapes by 50% and material case records by 40%, demonstrating commitment to quality.• Exceeded Material Review Board goals, minimizing losses and average days to close items, optimizing production efficiency. Show less

  • Future of Flight - Engineering Operations Leader

    Aug 2024 - now

  • Manufacturing Quality Leader

    Mar 2023 - now

  • Value Stream Quality Operations Leader

    Apr 2018 - Mar 2023

  • Engineering Manager

    Aug 2016 - Apr 2018

  • Staff Engineer

    Jan 2014 - Aug 2016